weaving back and forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaving back and forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a motion or action that alternates or oscillates between two points or directions, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The dancer moved gracefully, weaving back and forth across the stage, captivating the audience with her fluid movements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I saw Hannah first, weaving back and forth.

The New York Times - Travel

They see drunken drivers weaving back and forth.

The New York Times - Travel

The path had been hard to follow, weaving back and forth beneath a canopy of pine trees.

The New York Times - Travel

She spent the first act weaving back and forth in an effort to keep up with the action.

The New York Times

If you're playing air guitar to Ozzy Osbourne, weaving back and forth on the sidewalk, are you a bother or just a passionate fan?

The New York Times

Who hasn't seen cars on the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway or some other road weaving back and forth while drivers are dialing or talking?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We had to weave back and forth across the surface to avoid them.

The New Yorker

She wove back and forth between composers with little pause and with a more or less one-fits-all pianistic style that did indeed fit most.

The New York Times - Arts

"There are so many characters, and the story weaves back and forth in time, so those are the only difficult aspects for me to deal with.

The New Yorker

I weave back and forth across the road in a vain attempt to reduce the incline, but I just go even slower.

The Guardian - Travel

The whole novel takes place on this ship, although Sarah's story weaves back and forth between past and present -- and sometimes between dream and reality.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex processes, use "weaving back and forth" to illustrate how different elements interact and influence each other. For example, "The negotiation weaved back and forth between financial concerns and ethical considerations."

Common error

Avoid using "weaving back and forth" when a simpler term like "moving side to side" or "zigzagging" would suffice. The phrase is more impactful when describing intricate or strategic movements, not basic actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaving back and forth" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It describes a motion that alternates between two points or directions, physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weaving back and forth" is a versatile gerund phrase that describes an alternating motion, both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as general writing contexts. While a useful phrase, it's best reserved for situations where the intricate nature of the movement or alternation is relevant, rather than simple side-to-side actions. Consider alternatives like "zigzagging" or "oscillating to and fro" for simpler descriptions. Mastering its usage involves recognizing when the nuance of alternating directions adds value to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oscillating to and fro

Replaces the more descriptive "weaving" with the general term "oscillating" and uses "to and fro" instead of "back and forth" emphasizing the alternating motion.

moving from side to side

Offers a more simplified description, focusing on the lateral movement rather than the patterned aspect of weaving.

zigzagging

Conveys a similar sense of alternating direction, but implies sharper, more angular movements.

swaying back and forth

Implies a gentler, more fluid motion than weaving, often used to describe movement influenced by an external force.

shuttling to and fro

Uses "shuttling" to suggest a faster and more repetitive motion, like that of a loom's shuttle.

alternating directions

A more general term focusing on the change in direction without specifying the nature of the movement.

meandering

Suggests a less structured, more aimless form of "weaving", often used to describe paths or routes.

crisscrossing

Implies an intersection of paths or lines, adding a sense of complexity to the movement.

fluctuating

Describes a more abstract form of back-and-forth movement, often used for numbers or qualities that change over time.

undulating

Describes a wave-like motion, different from the more structured "weaving" but still conveying a sense of back and forth movement.

FAQs

How can I use "weaving back and forth" in a sentence?

"Weaving back and forth" describes a motion that alternates between two directions or ideas. For example, "The car was "weaving back and forth" across the lanes", or "The discussion "weaved back and forth" between different opinions".

What can I say instead of "weaving back and forth"?

Alternatives to "weaving back and forth" include "zigzagging", "moving from side to side", or "oscillating to and fro", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "weaving back and forth" literally?

No, "weaving back and forth" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation that shifts between different states or aspects. For instance, "The narrative "weaves back and forth" between the past and present".

Which is correct, "weave back and forth" or "weaving back and forth"?

Both forms are correct but serve different grammatical functions. "Weave back and forth" is the infinitive form of the verb phrase, while "weaving back and forth" is the gerund or present participle form. Use "weaving" when it functions as a noun (gerund) or part of a continuous verb tense.